YOUR OWN PRIVATE ADVENTURE

Tulum ruins, Snorkeling in Cenote and with Turtles

390 tour reviews
PRIVATE TOUR: Our top-selling adventure includes a private guided tour of the Tulum ruins, a swim in a stunning cenote, and snorkeling with sea turtles. Plus, savor a delicious lunch at a charming jungle Mexican restaurant!
  • Exclusive Experience: Just you, your personal local guide, and driver!
  • Private Transportation: Convenient pick-up from your hotel or rental.
  • Escape the Crowds & Beat the Heat: Skip the lines & enjoy a relaxed, stress-free guided tour.
  • Breathtaking Cenotes! Pick from open-air or cave options - You’ll love the adventure!
  • Encounter Sea Turtles: Snorkel from shore in Akumal for an unforgettable aquatic journey!
  • Lunch in a One-of-a-Kind Jungle Spot: Mexican flavors await you!
  • Set Your Own Pace: Stay longer or move on, the choice is entirely yours.
  • All-Inclusive at the Best Price: Transport, guide, entrance fees, gear, lunch & more!

Early bird discountBook 60+ days ahead and save 10%.

Multi-tour discountBook 2+ tours and save 10%.

Offers cannot be combined. Holiday exclusions apply. See terms and conditions.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The details of your private day.

Tulum ruins, Snorkeling in Cenote and with Turtles Private Tour

 

Experience the magic of the Riviera Maya in one expertly crafted private tour. Our Tulum Ruins, Snorkeling, Cenote & Turtles private tour is a perfect blend of cultural discovery, ocean exploration, and refreshing nature escape. Whether you’re passionate about Mayan history, fascinated by marine life, or simply craving a serene swim in a cenote, this full-day tour offers a personalized adventure away from the crowds.

Led by a certified private guide, this experience is designed to move at your pace. You’ll visit the famous Tulum Ruins, snorkel with wild sea turtles in Akumal Bay, and cool off in a breathtaking cenote. With private transportation, flexible scheduling, and a tailored itinerary, you’ll enjoy comfort, intimacy, and expert insights throughout the day.

A Day of Discovery of Mayan Heritage and Marine Wonders

  1. 1. Explore the Tulum Archaeological Site

    Start your day with a visit to the majestic Tulum Ruins, perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. As one of the most iconic Mayan cities, Tulum Mayan ruins offer rich history, stunning ocean views, and well-preserved structures like El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes. Your private guide will bring the past to life with fascinating stories of ancient rituals, trade, and daily life in this walled city.

    With early access and private transport, you’ll beat the crowds and the heat—perfect for photos and peaceful exploration.

    Highlights:

    • Personalized guided tour of the ruins
    • Stunning sea views from cliffside temples
    • Insight into Mayan culture and architecture

  2. 2. Refresh in a Stunning Cenote

    After your journey through Mayan history, it’s time to cool off with a swim in one of the Riviera Maya’s magical cenotes. These natural freshwater sinkholes are formed by collapsed limestone, revealing hidden pools of crystal-clear water.

    You’ll visit a hand-selected cenote, and on the day of your tour, you can choose between Cenote Nicte-Ha, Taak Bi Ha, or Jaguar. If you prefer to visit the more advanced cenotes like Dos Ojos or Pet Cemetery, we can arrange that for an additional $10 USD per person. Your guide will be happy to help you select the cenote that best matches your expectations and snorkeling skills.

    Why you’ll love it:

    • Cenotes for everyone: peaceful swims, snorkeling, cliff jumping, or cave exploration
    • Whether you’re adventurous or looking to relax, we’ve got you covered
    • Great for young kids, teens, adults, and older guests alike
    • Unique geological formations and refreshing natural beauty
    • A tranquil, sacred setting to unwind and reconnect with nature

  3. 3. Enjoy a Local Mexican Lunch

    Recharged from your cenote dip, you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant in the jungle under a traditional palapa, offering shade and a laid-back jungle vibe.

    We serve a variety of freshly prepared Mexican dishes, and vegetarian or special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

    It’s the perfect moment to fuel up, rest, and reflect on the incredible experiences so far—before heading to the sea for one final highlight of the day.

  4. 4. Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal Bay

    To end your day, you’ll visit Akumal Bay, a calm, protected marine area known for its resident population of green sea turtles. After a briefing and receiving your gear, your snorkeling guide will lead you into the shallow, clear water where you can spot turtles grazing on seagrass, colorful tropical fish, and perhaps stingrays or coral gardens.

    This guided snorkel is suitable for all levels. You don’t need prior experience—just basic swimming ability—and your guide will be with you the whole time for safety and support.

    What to expect:

    • Snorkeling with sea turtles in their natural habitat
    • Calm waters and great visibility most of the year
    • Full equipment and guidance included

     

Price includes

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation (Booster car seat and baby car seat available on request)
  • Experienced certified private guide
  • Tulum ruins entrance fees (INAH + CONANP + JAGUAR) with pre-purchased tickets for direct entry
  • Optional electric shuttle from the parking area to the ruins entrance (750 m / 0.5 mile), for guests who prefer not to walk
  • Cenote entrance fee
  • Akumal bay cooperative and CONANP fee
  • Snorkeling gear: mask, snorkel, wetsuits, life jackets
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
  • Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte and one bottle of water

Price excludes

  • Extra drinks at the restaurant
  • Ruins: If you bring a GoPro, video camera, or phone with a selfie stick, a fee of 60 pesos (about USD 3) per device is charged at the entrance to each archaeological site and must be paid in pesos (INAH fee). Drones and camera/video tripods are prohibited.
  • Tips
Exclusive Private Tour:
Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
Duration:
7/9 hours (check the itinerary tab, as it depends on your pick-up location)
Physicality:
Easy
Age:
All ages
Snorkeling:
Basic swimming skills required. This excursion suits everyone from novices to experts.
Which cenote will you visit? 
The day of your tour, you can choose one cenote between Nicte Ha, Taak bi Ha, or Jaguar. 
If you prefer to go to Dos Ojos or Pet Cemetery, we will add 10 USD per person on your balance. Your guide will be happy to help you to select the best cenote for you and your party according to your expectations and snorkeling skills.
Swim with turtles:
Absolute Adventure is working with a local cooperative according to the Mexican law.(Consult Akumal Swim with Turtles regulation.)
In the event of the port being closed by the authorities making swimming with the turtles unauthorized, the tour will be amended to the Tulum Cenote tour and the price adjusted according to the option chosen.
What's on the menu?
Quesadillas, tacos, empanadas, salbutes, fajitas, fish, shrimp, chicken, soups, vegetarian and special diet options available.

Itinerary options

Times at each stop are estimates. Driving and your exact pickup location affect the schedule.

Tulum ruins, cenote and turtles

  1. Tulum ruins — 90 min
  2. Cenote snorkel — 60 min
  3. Lunch at Juanita restaurant — 40 min
  4. Akumal turtles — 75 min

The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic, crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when booking.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at Tulum, the cenote, and Akumal, moving at your own pace.
Want a faster tour? Free time can be reduced or skipped; your guide can adjust the pace on the day of the tour.

Discover the 3 benefits of an early departure to visit Tulum.
This tour doesn't include Tulum centro/Tulum beach-hotel areas. Only Tulum Mayan ruins.

  • Resusable water bottle: at Tulum Ruins, it is forbidden to enter the ruins with plastic water bottles. If you wish to bring water for the visit, please bring your own reusable water bottle. We’ll have water in the van for you to fill or refill.
  • Beach Towels
  • Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Flip flops or sandals for water activities (Water shoes are optional but can be worn for added comfort)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and we recommend wearing a rash-guard/UV-Shirt for water activities*
  • Mosquito repellent*
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone

FROM OUR GUESTS

A day worth remembering.

5.00/5 · 390 tour reviews

Showing reviews 244–252 of 390

After several visits to the Riviera Maya, I booked this tour, and I only wish I had found it sooner. This was absolutely a best day ever experience! Dulce and Carlos picked us up early and took us straight to Tulum before the large tour groups arrived. Dulce shared so much information about the place as she led us around, and we got incredible photos.…

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After several visits to the Riviera Maya, I booked this tour, and I only wish I had found it sooner. This was absolutely a best day ever experience! Dulce and Carlos picked us up early and took us straight to Tulum before the large tour groups arrived. Dulce shared so much information about the place as she led us around, and we got incredible photos. After Tulum, we chose the cave cenote to explore. Dulce guided our experience there, pointing out cave formations with her flashlight. We were very comfortable with the provided snorkel gear and seeing the cave was an absolutely amazing experience! Next it was an excellent lunch at a nearby restaurant, then off to Akumal. An Akumal guide led us out from the beach to the coral reef and we saw so many turtles, stingrays, sea urchins, starfish, and tropical fish! It was probably the best snorkeling experience I’ve ever had. I still can’t believe we saw so much marine life without ever boarding a boat! Be advised, there is a fair amount of swimming involved - the life jacket makes buoyancy no problem, but you don’t have flippers, so you need the stamina to swim a solid half mile, at least, with some gentle currents along the way - if that freaks you out, Akumal may not be for you. We had a blast, and the effort was certainly worth it!! There were facilities there to change and shower, and Carlos was waiting for us with cold drinks when we got back to the van. A quick ride back to the hotel and our amazing day ended after about 7 hours total. I cannot possibly recommend this experience, and this company enough. Communication was top notch and the service was exceptional throughout the whole process and especially during the experience. Do not hesitate to book this tour!!! You are going to love it!!

Helen · Jan 2023

Favorite part of our tour, was our tour guide Arturo. He took us to Tulum early to beat the rush. Then we got to choose which cenote to visit. After the cenote we stopped for an authentic mexican lunch and then lastly a swim with turtle sightings. This trip was a must do and would recommend for everyone.

Bruce · Jan 2023

We had a wonderful day! Leaving early got us through Tulum before the crowds, so we could take lots of pictures. The senote cave was amazing! I’ve never seen anything like it. The water was super clear. Lunch was delicious and authentic and a hearty portion. We saw 3-4 sea turtles even though it was windy and the water was rough. We were able to…

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We had a wonderful day! Leaving early got us through Tulum before the crowds, so we could take lots of pictures. The senote cave was amazing! I’ve never seen anything like it. The water was super clear. Lunch was delicious and authentic and a hearty portion. We saw 3-4 sea turtles even though it was windy and the water was rough. We were able to get very close to them and see very clearly. Throughout we never felt rushed, and our guide was courteous and thoughtful. I would highly recommend!

Lindsay · Jan 2023

Best way to experience Tulum in a day! Arturo was our guide and Carlos our driver. Both were extremely welcoming and professional. The tours were more than I could have hoped for. We were able to swim with turtles and actual catch a glimpse of other sea life as well. The beach was by far my wife and my favorite activity. With that said, it’s…

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Best way to experience Tulum in a day! Arturo was our guide and Carlos our driver. Both were extremely welcoming and professional. The tours were more than I could have hoped for. We were able to swim with turtles and actual catch a glimpse of other sea life as well. The beach was by far my wife and my favorite activity. With that said, it’s just worth it enough to have a guide like Arturo to spend the day with, giving you all sorts of info about the Mayan cultural sites, what to do, and what to avoid. We had a minor emergency when my wife cut her foot while walking along the beach, but we were immediately taken care of by Arturo and Carlos. They were so attentive and caring, really couldn’t ask for a better experience that makes you feel totally safe. Lastly, the cenote we were able to check out almost felt like a secret that tourists would never be able to find on their own. Thank you for the amazing experience!

Michael · Jan 2023

We had the most amazing day with Juan. The trip was magnificent! Each spot was timed perfectly to beat the crowd. He made sure we got photos without the crowds… was informative, interesting and fun! I would recommend this company to anyone looking at booking a trip! Thanks for an amazing day!

Amber · Jan 2023

I’ve been to the Riviera Maya several times now, but this was by far the best day yet!! Dulce and Carlos picked us up early and took us straight to Tulum, where we had a private tour of the ruins before any of the large groups or tour buses arrived. It was beautiful, and Dulce was a wealth of knowledge about the area and the…

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I’ve been to the Riviera Maya several times now, but this was by far the best day yet!! Dulce and Carlos picked us up early and took us straight to Tulum, where we had a private tour of the ruins before any of the large groups or tour buses arrived. It was beautiful, and Dulce was a wealth of knowledge about the area and the culture. After finishing our exploration there, we went to the cenote - we chose the cave experience. They provided us with a life jacket and snorkel, and Dulce swam with us, using her flashlight to point out the formations inside the cenote. It was like another world! Upon finishing our swim, we had an excellent lunch at a nearby restaurant, then we headed to Akumal. An Akumal guide led us out from the beach into the ocean, and we swam past so many turtles eating the grass along the bottom out to the coral reef, which was alive with so many tropical fish and sea urchins! We swam along for a while, spotting stingrays, starfish, more turtles, and so many kinds of fish! It was absolutely incredible! After changing clothes, Carlos has cold drinks ready for our ride back to the hotel. I honestly cannot imagine a better way to spend 6-7 hours, and our hosts were just lovely. 10 stars!!!! Do not hesitate to book this tour!!!

RR · Jan 2023

Wonderful tour!! This tour was by far the best thing about our trip. We had excellent communication from the start with Claire. Omar was our driver who was prompt and waiting for us at every stop. Arturo was our tour guide and he was fantastic. First stop was the Mayan ruins crowded but Arturo was able to navigate our family away from the crowds and…

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Wonderful tour!! This tour was by far the best thing about our trip. We had excellent communication from the start with Claire. Omar was our driver who was prompt and waiting for us at every stop. Arturo was our tour guide and he was fantastic. First stop was the Mayan ruins crowded but Arturo was able to navigate our family away from the crowds and made the experience so much fun. He was informative and interesting for our whole family which included 4 teenagers. The scenery was breathtaking and Arturo was happy to take any pictures for us. Next stop was the cenote in the jungle. This was such a unique experience. Arturo even managed to get my husband in the water who doesn't usually swim at all which has made this such a fond memory for our children. My husband has even started swim lessons since we have returned home! Thank you Arturo! Next stop was lunch which was delicious and then to Akumal to swim with the turtles. There were so many turtles!!! We all had a blast. I can't thank Arturo and Absolute Adventures enough for taking us on this amazing tour. We loved everything about this day.

Valerie · Jan 2023

Arturo was an excellent guide and very enjoyable to be with. He guided us on an enjoyable adventure of the Tulume ruins, a cenote swim and a swim with turtles. Highly recommend!!!

Bruce · Jan 2023

AWESOME. Juan and Carlos are the best!! Juan gave an awesome tour of the ruin. He knew everything about the history, what each building was, and answered any questions we had. Juan also got us there early before it got super busy. We went to a cenote in a cave. It was amazing! The water was so clear and dry refreshing. We had lunch at…

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AWESOME. Juan and Carlos are the best!! Juan gave an awesome tour of the ruin. He knew everything about the history, what each building was, and answered any questions we had. Juan also got us there early before it got super busy. We went to a cenote in a cave. It was amazing! The water was so clear and dry refreshing. We had lunch at a local restaurant. Get the taco/empinada sampler. So good. Then we swam with sea turtles. We saw so many turtles! Big turtles baby turtles, starfish and other fish. The turtles were not afraid of people and will surface for air near you. Fantastic experience. If you only have time for one excursion this is the one you want.

Sara · Jan 2023

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your tour questions, answered.

Tour basics

Is the Tulum Ruins tour private or shared?

This is a private tour, just for you and your group.

You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.

Is the driver also the guide?

No. The driver and guide are two different professionals.

All our tours include a dedicated driver and a separate certified guide. 

While some companies offer a guide-driver, we believe this is not safe. Having a driver focused solely on the road and a guide fully dedicated to our guests ensures a safer and higher-quality experience.

How long does a private Tulum tour take?

Please check the full itinerary in the “Itinerary” tab for more details.

It typically lasts between 6 to 8 hours, depending on your hotel location and how much time you’d like to spend at each site. 

Pickup & transport

Is transportation included from my hotel or Airbnb?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. We’ll pick you up right from your hotel, resort, or Airbnb for a stress-free start to your day.

Please note: we don’t offer pick up from Cancun Playa Mujeres hotels unless your group has 6 or more adults.

What vehicles do you use for your tours?

We offer a range of modern, air-conditioned vans to suit the size of your group and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Visit our fleet page for more details.

Can I change the pick up time?

Yes, you’re welcome to choose your preferred pick-up time when booking.

That said, we recommend an early morning start to help you beat the crowds, skip the traffic, and enjoy cooler temperatures—it really makes a difference!

Activities & facilities

How much walking is there at the Tulum ruins?

We take a shuttle from the parking lot to the main ruins entrance, so you won’t need to walk far to get to the site.

The guided visit lasts about 45 minutes and we go at a comfortable pace, with breaks if needed.

Just a heads-up—there aren’t many spots to sit. If you have any limitations with walking or taking steps, keep in mind that a few are required to get in and out of the site and to reach the cliff area.

Can we spend some time at Tulum beach during the tour?

No, unfortunately, we cannot. The beach located within the Tulum ruins has been closed since 2020 and remains inaccessible to visitors.

Additionally, this tour does not include any stops at the Tulum beach area, the hotel zone, or Tulum town center.

Is snorkeling experience required for this tour?

No previous snorkeling experience is required, but basic swimming skills are necessary.

We provide mandatory life vests, and our guide ensures a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

Which cenote do we visit on this tour?

You can view the list of cenotes available for this tour under the ‘Tour Description and General Info’ tab, where you'll also find links to full descriptions of each cenote.

We offer a variety of cenote types, including open-air, semi-open, and cave cenotes.

Unless you've already made your choice, you can decide which cenote to visit together with your tour guide on the day of your tour.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed in Akumal?

Turtle sightings are very likely but not guaranteed, as they are wild animals.

Akumal is one of the best places in the region to see them.

What type of boat is used to swim with the turtles?

There is no boat involved. The swim starts directly from the shore, and you’ll enter the water with your guide to reach the turtle area.

Are there showers or changing rooms at the cenote or at Akumal beach?

Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.

Planning & booking

What should I bring for the tour? Where can I leave my belongings?

Check the "What to bring" tab on the tour page for the full packing list.

Essentials include swimwear, a towel and comfortable shoes.

You can safely leave your belongings in the van—our driver stays with it the entire time while you're out enjoying the activities.

Are vegetarian or special dietary meals available?

Yes, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs or allergies.

After booking, you can let us know your needs by filling out the check-in form—just follow the link in your booking confirmation email.

What is the cancellation policy?

Go ahead and plan with confidence—your booking is fully flexible!

You can cancel free of charge or reschedule (subject to availability) up to 24 hours before your tour.

We’re a small team and often fully booked 1–2 weeks in advance, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.

Bonus: if you book at least 2 months in advance (60 days), you’ll qualify for our early bird discount*!

For full details, check out our booking policy page.

More questions?

Visit our main FAQ page or contact us by email, WhatsApp or via chat, we're happy to help!

Come explore the Riviera Maya with us.

Private adventures, thoughtfully planned by our local team.

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Coupon terms & conditions

EARLY2MONTHS — 10% off
Book at least 60 days before your tour date.

MULTITOUR — 10% off
Book at least 2 tours in one transaction.

If part of a multi-tour booking is canceled and only one tour remains, the discount becomes void and the remaining balance will be adjusted.

Enter your coupon code at checkout.

Tour photos

MAKE IT YOUR DAY

Book with Confidence

Tulum ruins, Snorkeling in Cenote and with Turtles

Choose your date, number of guests and pickup location to see your exact price.

Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.